Ruinous Creatures

For fans of One Dark Window and T. Kingfisher, comes a standalone romantasy debut about a woman who accidentally awakens the power to siphon magic from two phoenix skulls, binding her fate to a vengeful stranger and forcing them to navigate the devastating cost of their unbreakable bond.

In a sanctuary for magical creatures hidden deep within a valley, magic is born from the bones of extraordinary creatures. For generations, a privileged few have siphoned this magic by wearing the skulls of these creatures and wielding their power.

Adela spends her days meticulously preparing these skulls to be matched, ensuring the magic endures and the valley sustains. But when she discovers two phoenix skulls--creatures she had believed only legend--she can't resist the pull of their dormant magic. Defying the warnings of her mentor, Adela awakens the skulls, unleashing a shockwave of power that throws the valley into chaos.

Meanwhile, determined novitiate Kian prepares for the upcoming matching ceremony, but harbors a secret: he is only participating in order to destroy the magic of the skulls to avenge the death of his parents at the hands of this tradition of power.

As Adela and Kian's fates intertwine in the matching hut, the connection between them grows deeper and the power of the phoenix skulls grows louder. An impulsive kiss seals their fate--to each other and each to one of the phoenix skull masks. As they grapple with the consequences of their powerful new magic, their fated connection becomes the key to either the valley's salvation or its ultimate collapse.

Author: Jessi Cole Jackson
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 03/10/2026
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.40w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9781668092897


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/12/2026
Library Journal 12/01/2025 pg. 62

About the Author
Jessi Cole Jackson's perfect day involves fresh cut flowers, cream-filled pastries, and stories of all sorts. After a dozen years making costumes for professional theatres all over the East Coast, she moved home to rural Michigan, where she now lives with her family. Ruinous Creatures is her debut novel. Visit JessiColeJackson.com for more information.